Short games are a great way to pass the time. There are many games out there, but which one do you pick? Well, if you like challenges and word-based games, The New York Times’s Connections game is what you should be playing right now.
If you have never heard about the game or are reading it here for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about the NYT game, including how to play NYT Connections with some useful tips and tricks.
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a simple yet challenging word game. Your goal is to group several words that share a common thread. You need to group words that may sound or be spelled differently but mean similar things.
Where to Play?
NYT Connections is a free-to-play game. You can easily play in your device’s web browser regardless of the platform. Additionally, if you’ve installed the New York Times app on your Android or iOS device, you can easily access the game via the Play tab. You will need to have a New York Times account for this.
How to Play NYT Connections
- Each game presents 16 words in a 4×4 grid, and your goal is to find four words that share a common theme.
- Difficulty level can be easily identified with colors: Yellow (easiest), Green, Blue, and Purple (hardest).
- Select and match four words that belong to the same category, then tap Submit to check your answer.
- You have four chances to group the words.
Every game out there has a set of rules that you need to follow to play and enjoy the game. 16 words are placed in a 4 by 4 grid. All four groups are given a specific color. The colors represent different difficulty levels. The colors are Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. Yellow represents the easiest category, and Purple represents the difficult category.
When you look at the words in the grid, you need four words that have something in common. You need to use your logic and see if the four words belong to the same group, and if so, why would they belong to the same group?


Once you have determined similar words, tap on them. Do note that each word will have to be from each group. You cannot select two words from the same group. Finally, tap on Submit.
You can choose to replay the game or simply view the results. When you look at the results, you will see the words placed in the right group together.

The good part about playing NYT Connections is that there are no time limits. You can take your own sweet time to solve and complete the game. But remember, you have 24 hours until a new Connections game has been revealed.
On a sidenote, a new NYT Connections game will be loaded once it becomes midnight at your local time.
NYT Connections: Tips and Tricks
Now that you have a good idea of how to play the game, it’s time to take a look at some tips and tricks on how you can improve your guesses on NYT’s Connections game.
Stay Up To Date!
It is important to stay up to date, as it helps you know what words could mean or relate to a certain topic. Additionally, it is good to keep up with trending topics, whether it’s pop culture, tech, political developments, sports – you name it.
Don’t Let The Words Fool You!
While there are 16 words in the grid, some words might feel like they are similar or related to the other words. This is why it is important to know the meaning as well as the opposites of such words. Choosing the wrong word is only going to result in a wrong answer. So think carefully.
Use a Dictionary
A dictionary is a great way to know the meaning of various words out there. Apart from the meaning, some dictionaries also offer you antonyms as well as synonyms for you to know about. Since Connections uses words from the Oxford English Dictionary, it would be best to have the Oxford Dictionary app installed on your Android and iOS smartphones.
Shuffle Up Those Words!
Your brain tends to pick up the first word i and that can sometimes confuse you. So, using the Shuffle buttons helps to move the words all around, and this helps with searching for the right words and trying to see which pens are similar to each other.
Play the Game with a Clear Mind
Connections is a game that requires thinking and patience. If you love this game, pick a time slot from your schedule when you are free and relaxed and try to play the game. Your brain will be able to concentrate, and you should be able to get the right answers.
Discuss with your Friends
Now, just because your friends do not play the game doesn’t mean they don’t have an interest. You could always ask them to help you out, and who knows, you might get the correct answers because of your friends. A little discussion hurts no one.
Other NYT Games That You Can Play
Apart from Connections, the New York Times also has several other games that you can check out and play – all for free.
- Letter Board
- Spelling Bee
- Strands
- Sudoku
- The Crossword
- The Mini
- Tiles
- Wordle
Well, this concludes everything you need to know about the New York Times word game: Connections.
So, what do you think about this game? Is this something you and your family or friends are interested in? Let us know about your thoughts in the comments section below.
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